VPN vs. antivirus: What’s the difference?

The main purpose of modern antivirus programs is device security. This software will attempt to spot and block any malware or viruses from infecting your phone or laptop.

A good antivirus software should be able to detect all kinds of malware: trojans, keyloggers, cryptohackers, adware, and more. It does so by collecting information about threats globally and then updating a virus database on your device. Needless to say, keeping your antivirus up-to-date is essential for this process to work.

It’s very hard to be sure about the safety of a file or an online link. In a way, antiviruses allow you to make mistakes. If you click on a malicious link by accident, your antivirus programs will often be able to recognize and remove it. Here are some other benefits of an antivirus:

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  They work in the background and don’t disturb the user. Antiviruses are extremely low-maintenance because virtually everything they do, they do in the background.
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  Many good antivirus are free, or at least offer a free version. In fact, if you’re on a Windows machine, you’re already using an antivirus.
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  Sandbox mode. Whenever you’re unsure about a file, you can use sandboxes; these are secure virtual spaces. In sandbox mode, you can open a file you suspect to be malicious, without risking infecting your device.

There aren’t many drawbacks to using a good antivirus. They work in the background and most will have little to no effect on your computer’s performance. However, using a free antivirus software can be risky, as the companies behind them will try to monetize their users.

For example, Avast’s free antivirus software was found to be collecting users’ browsing histories and selling them to advertisers. Whenever you’re looking for an online security service, it’s always worth going for a premium option.

Like an antivirus, a VPN (virtual private network) protects the user from cyber threats. But it does so by encrypting the user’s internet traffic and rerouting it though a remote VPN server. In this way, the user’s IP address, their location, and their private data are all hidden. This will keep a user’s private information shielded from hackers, criminals, and even their internet service provider (ISP).

VPNs also work in the background, but are usually easier to configure, suspend, or turn off than traditional antiviruses that tend to be more ‘sticky’ and may sometimes even be difficult to uninstall.

If we think about antivirus programs as a passive protection method, VPNs are the opposite. You can experience the benefits of VPN security features as soon as you turn it on.

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  Encrypting your traffic. Your data is protected because your network is encrypted with top-grade AES-256 encryption on every VPN server. A secure VPN, like NordVPN, will even have DNS leak protection, ensuring your private data is protected at all times.
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  Changing your location. Virtual private networks let you access websites that are not available to your country.
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  Enhanced privacy. With a VPN, you can mask your browsing history from your ISP and keep your data private from advertisers.
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  Extra features. A good VPN usually comes with a variety of extra helpful security features, beyond just basic encryption.
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  Protecting multiple devices. Premium VPN providers will secure your connection on several devices, so you can even log into public Wi-Fi safely. For example, a single NordVPN account will cover up to 10 devices.

If you use a free VPN, you may encounter a number of risks and problems. These services are often less stable and secure than premium options like NordVPN. Your data may not be fully protected, and your internet speeds will probably suffer.

To avoid these drawbacks, make sure to use a high-quality VPN that you can trust. While free VPNs claim to offer all the same benefits as their paid counterparts, that’s really not true.

VPNs and antiviruses both protect your digital security but they do it in different ways. Can you use antivirus with a VPN? Absolutely. In fact, using an antivirus with a VPN may be the best option because you can protect your device and your internet connection at the same time.

Sometimes features offered by your VPN service and your antivirus will overlap. For example, NordVPN has a feature called Threat Protection Pro, which blocks ads and malware-hosting websites, and protects your device from botnet control. Threat Protection Pro can also block trackers and can help you to identify malicious files.

But you don’t need to worry about these features overlapping because, when it comes to cybersecurity, more is often better.

So, VPN vs antivirus, which one is better? The question doesn’t have an answer. Antiviruses and VPNs protect you from different threats, so both are useful. When you’re browsing the Web, a secure VPN can shield you from a variety of dangers including tracking, man-in-the-middle attacks, Wi-Fi spying, and more. And if you happen to click on a malicious link, your antivirus can jump in and limit the damage caused to your device.

PRO TIP: If you want a high level of online security, we recommend that you use both antivirus and a VPN. Antivirus software on its own might not be enough, but when paired with a premium VPN, it can offer outstanding protection.